Party membership restrictions easing in Berliner BSW prior to radical shift: Is open-door policy now applicable for all?
Radical Shift for BSW: From Exclusive to Inclusive
The Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), questioning the status quo, has decided to shake things up. Once known for its secretive inner circle, newcomers could now join the party with ease. Alexander King, the Berlin BSW leader, anticipates around 250 members currently, with hopes of reaching at least 100 new members by July.
But the ambitious expansion doesn't stop there. In late July, corresponding associations will be founded in all Berlin districts over two consecutive weekends. King is optimistic about the long-term outcome, aiming to secure at least 1000 paying members, with "a large X" - possibly even 2000.
This open-door policy is a stark contrast to the party's previous tight-knit, exclusive approach, which drew criticism for its restrictiveness. Founded in January 2024, the BSW had intended to grow slowly, nurturing relationships by getting to know potential members before granting membership. This eye for detail was meant to deter political opportunists and former party members seeking to infiltrate the BSW's ranks.
Critics argued that this selective strategy harmed the party more than it helped during the federal election. Those concerns now seem to be alleviated as the party prepares for the Berlin elections in 2026.
Strict supervision remains in place, with the federal board, guided by Sahra Wagenknecht, holding the ultimate say on new members. However, active and familiar faces are prioritized, as King explains: "We will propose the candidates." But that's not all - Berliners are also encouraged to propose new members.
The Berlin BSW faced severe challenges in the past, particularly during the federal elections, where personnel coverage was thin. The founding of district associations is not only a step towards recruiting new members but also a move to bolster the party's organizational and personnel infrastructure ahead of the 2026 Berlin House of Representatives and District Assemblies elections.
The party, represented by just one member in the Berlin House of Representatives, has yet to achieve faction strength in any district, but the numbers are promising. The BSW received 6.7% of the vote in the Bundestag election, which, according to King, would have allowed entry into the House of Representatives and most district assemblies with faction strength.
Focusing on second votes in the last election proved to be a risky decision, with the party narrowly missing the 5% threshold needed for entry into the Bundestag. Wagenknecht and her colleague Amira Mohamed Ali, who had to leave the Bundestag following the election, are leading the charge for the Berlin elections.
However, recent polls suggest a downward trend for BSW, even in Berlin, which could spell trouble if a turnaround is not achieved in 2026.
The Unraveling of BSW: From National Success to Local Struggle
Originally formed by Sahra Wagenknecht after her departure from Die Linke, the BSW experienced a setback in the 2023 federal election, barely scratching the 5% threshold needed for entry into the Bundestag[3]. Two constitutional complaints regarding the federal election law design were lodged but ultimately unsuccessful.
Since then, BSW's polling has been hovering around 4%, but there are signs of a possible decline[3]. In stark contrast, Die Linke, from which Wagenknecht separated, has experienced a surge in membership and electoral success[4][5]. This contrasting trajectory could indicate internal challenges within the BSW and raises questions about its future prospects in Berlin.
[1] Link to Berliner Zeitung Interview with Alexander King[2] Link to article about Die Linke's membership surge[3] Link to article about BSW's polling declining[4] Link to article about Die Linke's resurgence in Berlin[5] Link to article about BSW's internal challenges
The BSW, despite its national setback in the 2023 federal election, is aggressively expanding its local presence in Berlin, aiming to attract at least 1000 paying members by July and secure faction strength in upcoming 2026 Berlin House of Representatives and District Assemblies elections. Despite this push, recent polls suggest a possible decline in BSW's popularity, raising concerns about its future prospects in Berlin and making comparisons with Die Linke's membership surge and electoral success more poignant. Amidst this unraveling, the party's new open-door policy, contrasting its previous selective approach, unfolds a distinct shift towards policy-and-legislation, news, and politics, with general-newsmedia speculating about the party's future.
